by Michael Winter, USA TODAY

by Michael Winter, USA TODAY

The number of Air Force nuclear missile guardians in Montana implicated in a cheating scandal has doubled to nearly 70 servicemembers, officials told the Associated Press.

The increase comes almost two weeks after the Air Force announced that 34 launch officers at the troubled 341st Missile Wing were implicated in a test-cheating ring at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. The accused, half of whom knew of the cheating but did not report it, were stripped of their security clearances and removed from launch duty.

The exam involved proficiency in handling commands during war emergencies, and the alleged cheating was discovered during an investigation into illegal drug possession. Two officers have been accused of both offenses.

"This is absolutely unacceptable behavior and it is completely contrary to our core values in the Air Force," Air Force Secretary Deborah James told reporters at the Pentagon on Jan. 15.

With an additional 30-plus personnel implicated, about 14% of the Air Force's total 500 ballistic missile launch corps have been removed from active duty at least temporarily.

In August, the 341st Missile Wing received an "unsatisfactory" rating after making "tactical-level errors during one of several exercises," the Air Force announced.

The wing controls 150 Minuteman III ballistic missiles, which comprise a third of the nation's intercontinental arsenal.